MVZ105 Theories of International Relations

Faculty of Social Studies
Spring 2021
Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 10 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Kateřina Fridrichová, Ph.D. (lecturer)
PhDr. Michal Kořan, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Marek Bičan (seminar tutor)
Mgr. et Mgr. Vladimír Bízik, Ph.D. (seminar tutor)
Guaranteed by
prof. PhDr. Zdeněk Kříž, Ph.D.
Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Olga Cídlová, DiS.
Supplier department: Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Tue 14:00–15:40 P51 Posluchárna V. Čermáka
Prerequisites (in Czech)
! MVZb1005 Theories of International Rel. && !NOW( MVZb1005 Theories of International Rel. ) && !SEMESTR(1) && !SEMESTR(2)
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
there are 20 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
Course objectives
This course aims at introducing main theories developed during the existence of the discipline of IR. It starts with basic survey of the issues and theories, followed by detailed study of those theories that are most important for the discipline. It goes through liberalism, realism, neoliberalism, neorealism, critical theories and marxist variants (world system theory, feminism), and social constructivism. Students are expected to do assigned readings (and encouraged to read the recommended texts); they are also expected to know content presented during lectures. The lituraure consists of chapters from textbooks and primary texts. Good knowledge of English is required for passing this course.
Learning outcomes
Students will get a good grasp of classical theories of international relations in a historical perspective, supplemented by contemporary issues and debates. Students will strenghten their soft-skills - team work, public speaking and critical thinking.
Syllabus
  • 1. Introduction to the course, requirements, content. 2. Classical liberalism 3. Classical realism, the first great debate 4. Seminar I 5. Neorealism, the second great debate, English school and neoclassical realism 6. Neoliberalism 7. Neo-neo synthesis, marxism and its variants 8. Seminar II 9. The positivism vs post-positivsm debate 10. Social constructivism 11. Popular thinkiíng about international relations 12. Seminar III 13. Theories? Why?
Literature
  • PŠEJA, Pavel. Přehled teorií mezinárodních vztahů (Theories of International Relations: An Overview). Brno: MPU MU, 2005, 160 pp. Studie 36. ISBN 80-210-3837-3. info
  • The globalization of world politics : an introduction to international relations. Edited by John Baylis - Steve Smith - Patricia Owens. 3rd ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 2005, xxxvii, 81. ISBN 0199271186. URL info
  • DRULÁK, Petr. Teorie mezinárodních vztahů. Vyd. 1. Praha: Portál, 2003, 220 s. ISBN 80-7178-725-6. info
  • FUKUYAMA, Francis. Konec dějin a poslední člověk. Translated by Michal Prokop. Vyd. 1. Praha: Rybka Publishers, 2002, 379 s. ISBN 80-86182-27-4. info
  • HUNTINGTON, Samuel P. Střet civilizací :boj kultur a proměna světového řádu. Vyd. 1. Praha: Rybka Publishers, 2001, v, 447 s. ISBN 80-86182-49-5. info
  • BURCHILL, Scott. Theories of international relations. 2nd ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave, 2001, viii, 322. ISBN 033391418X. info
  • HOLLIS, Martin and Steve SMITH. Mezinárodní vztahy: výklad a porozumění : Explaining and understanding international relations (Orig.) : Teorie mezinárodních vztahů : interpretace a porozumění (Variant.). 1. vyd. Brno: Centrum pro studium demokracie a kultury, 2000, 248 s. ISBN 80-85959-64-X. info
Teaching methods
Due to the character of the contets of the course the class takes place mainly in the form of lectures. However, this is supplemented by three seminars with compulsory attendance. Students present their group work and discuss it. Readings serve to broaden and deepen the spectrum of knowledge students acquire during lectures.
Assessment methods
Requirements of the course: - 9 tests during the semester filled online in the IS system - attendance of the 3 seminars and active participation; 1 active participation in group work and presentation of the outcomes - final exam in the form of essay based on assigned readings and knowledge gained during the course
Language of instruction
Czech
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
The course is taught annually.
Listed among pre-requisites of other courses
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2005, Autumn 2005, Spring 2007, Spring 2008, Spring 2009, Spring 2010, Spring 2011, Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2020, Spring 2022.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Spring 2021, recent)
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